The New York City winter meeting included a “sneak peek” of
a high-profile work in progress, ASHRAE/USGBC/IESNA Standard 189.1P, a
sustainability standard providing minimum requirements for the design of green
high-performance new commercial buildings and renovation projects.
At a press event at the Javits Convention Center, ASHRAE
President Kent Peterson, P.E. and others put the project in context within the
organization’s larger effort to encourage net zero energy in commercial
buildings. Standard 90.1 vice chair Steve Skalchow said, “Foremost is ASHRAE
goal of improving the energy efficiency requirements in Standard 90.1,” work
that aims to provide guidance for achieving 30% energy reduction over current
levels.
As for Standard 189.1, it goes beyond typical Standard
parameters by addressing elements such as site selection transportation options
in the vicinity as well as more traditional HVAC components. After receiving
900 public comments in the first public review period, ASHRAE expected that the
Standard’s second public review would commence shortly after the Winter
Meeting’s conclusion.
More immediately, the Society announced that in addition to
selling hard copies, it will make all of the Advanced Energy Design Guides
available for free download at www.ashrae.org. The new guide for K-12 schools
joins earlier installments for small offices and warehouses. Scheduled topics
for these guides toward 30% energy reduction include highway lodging, health
care, and existing buildings.